Each home featured in this year’s Parade reflects our commitment as a trusted Kansas City custom home builder focused on detail, livability, and timeless design.

First Place – Distinctive Design (KC 2026 Spring Parade of Homes)

TruMark Homes received First Place in Distinctive Design at the KC 2026 Spring Parade of Homes for:

• 424 SE Maxwell Drive, Blue Springs, Missouri

This award highlights our focus on custom home design, architectural detail, and elevated finishes that set our homes apart in the Kansas City homebuilding market.

Pick of the Parade – Gold Award Winner

We are also honored to have received a Pick of the Parade Gold Award at the KC 2026 Spring Parade of Homes for:

• 4205 SE Adams Drive, Blue Springs, Missouri

This Gold Award-winning home showcases premium craftsmanship, thoughtful layout design, and modern functionality—hallmarks of TruMark Homes as a leading custom home builder in Blue Springs, Missouri.

Pick of the Parade – Silver Award Winners

TruMark Homes also received multiple Pick of the Parade Silver Awards at the KC 2026 Spring Parade of Homes for the following homes:

• 2123 NW Killarney Lane, Lee’s Summit, Missouri
• 300 NW Earle Lane, Lee’s Summit, Missouri
• 4304 SE Adams Drive, Blue Springs, Missouri
• 4312 SE Adams Drive, Blue Springs, Missouri

Each of these homes reflects our commitment to building high-quality custom homes in Lee’s Summit and Blue Springs, Missouri, with a focus on livability, design, and craftsmanship.

Award-Winning Kansas City Home Builder

These awards from the KC 2026 Spring Parade of Homes reinforce TruMark Homes’ reputation as a trusted Kansas City home builder specializing in custom homes. Our team continues to deliver thoughtfully designed homes that blend function, style, and lasting value.

We are grateful to everyone who toured our homes during the Parade and to our dedicated team, trade partners, and suppliers who helped bring these projects to life.

Build Your Custom Home with TruMark Homes

If you are looking for a custom home builder in Kansas City, Blue Springs, or Lee’s Summit, Missouri, TruMark Homes would love to help bring your vision to life. Our award-winning designs and craftsmanship speak for themselves.

Contact us today to learn more about building your next home. https://markthebuilder.info/contact-trumark-homes/

The post TruMark Homes Wins Multiple Awards at the KC 2026 Spring Parade of Homes appeared first on Mark the Builder - TruMark Homes.

After determining your budget, finding your lot, finalizing a plan, and choosing your builder, it is time to start step two: the permit and stake process.

1) Permits

In Jackson County, Kansas City, where we primarily build custom homes, these are the required documents for a single-family dwelling. These are items the builder will take care of for you, but it is also nice to know what is happening in all stages of your new build.

1. The legal description of the property 

2. Two copies of the detailed site plan 

3. Two sets of construction plans that include:

ï‚· Floor plan

ï‚· Typical wall section 

ï‚· Foundation plan and type 

ï‚· Electrical diagram

ï‚· Elevations

ï‚· Square footage of living spaces on each floor of house and garage

ï‚· Structure height 

ï‚· Exterior and roofing material types 

One set of construction plans will be returned to the applicant to be kept at the worksite. They must be readily available for review/inspection by the building official. 

4. Completed sub-contractor list -This completed sub-contractor form must be kept at the worksite and available for inspection at all times.

2) Surveying

Next in the process comes surveying. The principal role of a land surveyor is to measure properties and also determine their boundaries. Boundary information is essential to determine what land you do or do not own, and the location of buildings, roadways, and prevent property disputes. This is done by using trigonometry, geometry, and other calculations. Surveyors also use specialized survey equipment like total stations and GPS.

3) Staking

While construction staking may seem a bit complicated, the concept is pretty simple. A land surveyor is given copies of the building site’s plans, typically a digital version and a hard copy. The surveyor will then layout stakes at the building site to mark the dimensions, location, and features of the construction plans on the blueprint. These stakes are not only to lay out the perimeter of the building but also other details, such as plumbing, infrastructure, grading, driveways, sidewalks, curbs, and more.

This video goes along with the staking and permit process. Mark Yancik explains the Trumark Homes process in this phase.

References:

https://www.fool.com/millionacres/real-estate-investing/what-is-a-land-survey-and-when-do-you-need-one/

https://moonmeeks.com/2019/07/why-is-construction-site-staking-so-important/

http://labergegroup.com/2017/01/05/what-does-a-land-surveyor-do/

The post The Next Step in Building Your Dream Home: Permit and Staking appeared first on Mark the Builder - TruMark Homes.

At Trumark Homes, we pay attention to current custom-home building trends and the preferences of our clients. Hundreds of house hunters tour our model homes each month, and we listen to the features that impress them the most. These are some of the things you can find in a Trumark home that have people talking.

See all of these features and more at our new showhouse, our Kyle V plan at 1108 NW Woodbury Drive, Grain Valley, Missouri.

1) Dog Wash Station

If you have pets, you will love our dog wash station. This feature is a small space inside your laundry room with a pint-sized shower and drain. A handheld sprayer makes it easy to shower your pet with ease. Your dog wash station can be built at waist level, to be easy on your back when washing small dogs, or it can be built into the floor for families with larger pets so that you don’t have to lift them.

2) Hidden Electrical Outlets

Gorgeous backsplash tile looks much more impressive when outlets don’t break up the visual line. At Trumark Homes, we like to build outlets into the upper cabinetry instead of using strips of GFCI outlets along the top edge of your cabinetry. Strips can still be visible if you are sitting at your island at eye level. Building outlets into the underside of the cabinets gives you a cleaner look from all angles.

3) Secret Room

Doesn’t every child dream of having a secret room in their home? For some clients building a custom home, this room can have a practical use, and some of our clients like to have this room just for the fun of it. In the Kyle V model, this secret room is concealed as shoe shelving inside the master closet. The possibilities for this room are endless:

• Library
• Office
• Sewing or Craft Room
• Saferoom
• Collector’s Retreat
• Reading Nook
• Gun Room
• Media Or Entertainment Room
• Kids’ Playroom
• Man Cave

4) Laundry Room Access Off of the Master Closet

This is so sensible and such a timesaver. The laundry room has it’s own room and is accessible through the master closet and the front hallway. This arrangement keeps your laundry from being publically displayed and makes putting away laundry go more quickly.

5) Pull Out Shelving

This is such an organizational benefit to your kitchen. Having the ability to pull out a shelf within your pantry allows you to take a quick inventory of your canned goods before running to the store. You can find items so much more quickly when you are cooking when everything is readily visible.

6) Deep Kitchen Cabinets

It’s so frustrating to continually look for lost Tupperware lids in your lower cabinets because they are not compartmentalized to allow for easy organization. Extra deep drawers will also be easier on your knees than lower cabinetry.

7) Extra Large Island

A large island not only adds additional casual seating to your kitchen, but it also creates storage space beneath or a place to add microwave or beverage cooler. We like to build in accessible cabinet space on both the front and back sides. A large island gives you a workspace for prepping food and is a great focal point for a room.

8) Hidden Trash Receptacle

Even the sleekest trash cans take up space. Who wants to look at a trash can, anyway? The most popular idea for hiding a kitchen trash can is a pull out drawer.

9) Workstation Kitchen Sink

Our clients LOVE our sink of choice by KRAUS. The colander with this sink is designed to rest on the integrated ledge of your workstation sink. The strainer is perfect for cooking pasta, rinsing produce, or air-drying kitchen utensils right over the sink. Created from chrome-plated T304 stainless steel for maximum durability, the colander is 100% food-safe and will not rust over time. The hands-free design allows you to strain foods easily without making a mess. This space-saving accessory can be stored right on the workstation ledge, freeing up space on your kitchen counters and in your cabinets. 

10) Built-in Beverage Cooler

These units can free up so much room in your main refrigerator. The cooler will also put beverages at an easy access level for children. You will love them at parties as well.

What else would you add to this list? Do you have any must-haves that Trumark Homes can include in your custom-built home? If you live in the eastern Jackson County area and are looking to build a custom home, we would love to assist you. Call us to set up a quick 15-minute consultation or to learn more or click here to email us.

The post Top Ten Custom Home Features of Summer 2020 appeared first on Mark the Builder - TruMark Homes.

Have you ever asked the question, I want to build a custom home where do I start? There is plenty of confusing information available on how to go about the custom home building process. To simplify your journey, here are five things to consider in this simple checklist for building a custom home. We hope you find it helpful! 

1) What is your budget?

Figure out what you need to spend for your perfect home. According to a 2019 survey conducted by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the average price of a home in The United States (the overall home price will vary by location) is $485,125.00 (NAHB, 2019). Custom homes can be built affordably or lavishly depending on what you want. Many factors, such as amenities, building materials, labor, location, lot size, layout, and, the homebuilder will determine the overall cost. If you are planning on financing, don’t forget to include loan interest rates and understand your lender’s terms. Remember, custom homes are just that, “custom†and can be as affordable or expensive as your wants and needs. You begin building your custom home with a simple layout that becomes specific as you configure it to your tastes. Depending on where you are at researching building a custom home, it may take some time to figure out your budget. Do not get in a hurry. This step is one you want to get right. Many people skip this step or don’t take the time to research exactly what they want. This will cause many surprises, headaches and, unwanted delays down the road. Know what you are getting into and exactly how much it will cost. The four steps below can help you become clear on a reasonable budget range for you.  

2) Pick a location

Next to setting a budget, your location is the most important decision in this process. After all, this area will be your new home. Where you might raise kids, become involved in the community, make memories, or maybe build yourself a forever home. Become well informed about your new custom home and its potential location. If you are close enough take a drive through the area. If the location is further away study online and plan on taking a visit. Seeing and experiencing the area first hand is the best way to judge if it meets your needs. Here are some items to keep in mind to help you narrow down the best location for your new custom home. Research and decide each item in order of importance to you.

• Close to family or friends
• Commute time to work
• Cost of living
• Cost of real estate
• Crime rate
• Distance from the airport
• Employment opportunities
• Proximity to hospitals or urgent care clinics
• Reviews of the city/community
• Schools systems
• Taxes
• Weather

3) Pick a lot

So you have found the perfect location to build your custom home. It’s time to purchase some land to build on. The portion of land the lot sits on will determine what type of home can be built. Does the lot start higher from the curb and then declines to the back of the property? Maybe the lot begins from a  low point from the curb and continues to incline? Is the lot flat? Lots come in all shapes and sizes. Here are a few basics to think about when picking your new home lot.

There are many different types of lots to accommodate your needs.

Corner lots Flag or corridor lots Interior lots Key lots T-shaped intersection Through lots Wedge-shaped lots (cul-de-sacs)

Are you building in a new subdivision or an established neighborhood? Perhaps you are thinking of building on acreage or in a rural area. Do you have city utilities like sewer and water? Or do you have to consider drilling a well and installing a septic tank system? What direction will your home face the Sun (western, eastern, or southern exposure)? In the winter months, it may be more difficult to shovel snow or ice to melt depending on where your custom home will be built.

Here is a quick video that addresses things to look for when choosing your lot.

4) What does your dream home look like?

This part of the process starts with the layout of your custom-built home. How many rooms do you want? How many bathrooms? Do you want a 2-car garage or 3-car garage? One story or two-story house? Finished basement or unfinished?

What style of home do you prefer? Here is a list of the most popular built home in America.

• Cape Cod
• Colonial
• Contemporary
• Cottage
• Country French
• Craftsman
• Mediterranean
• Ranch
• Tudor
• Victorian

What home features do you want? Think about everything from hardware on the kitchen drawers and cabinets. What color is the front door? Does the backyard have a patio or deck? The bullet list below will give you some idea of what you should be thinking about.

• 1st-floor laundry room
• Deep kitchen drawers
• Dog wash station
• Energy-efficient features
• Garage storage
• Hardwood floors
• Modern kitchen
• Mudroom
• Outdoor media area
• Smart home technology
• Under-cabinet outlets
• etc.
  

Walk through this house in your mind. See the front door, then the entryway, what type of flooring is in the home, what type of trim is on the walls, and begin taking a mental tour of your new home. You get the picture. Be as detailed as possible with the wants and needs of your custom home. Here are some floorplans to help you decide.

5) Find a custom home builder

Selecting a good custom home builder will make all the difference during this process! You are looking for someone who has connections, experience, knowledge, and will give you the best return on your investment. Great customer service and communication are essential as well. Here is a list of things to help you find the right custom home builder for you.

• Create a list of potential builders
  • You can get a list of builders from your local builder’s association.
  • Call local real estate agents to see who they would recommend.
  • Friends, relatives, and co-workers could be a good source.
    
• Look online and drive-by to see the home builder’s work. 
  • Does the custom home builder have a website to see there work?
  • Are the homes in good neighborhoods?
  • Do the homes look visually pleasing?
  • Visit as many neighborhoods and homes as possible.
  • Make sure the custom home builder can build in your price range.

• Here are some questions to ask a custom home builder.
  • Ask the home builder for at least 5 to 7 references from clients.
  • Does the builder offer a warranty program?
  • Does the builder have a financing plan established?
  • What home features are considered standard versus customized? 
  • Are the floor plans flexible? Can rooms or decks be added on? 
  • Can rooms or basements be left unfinished? 
  • What appliances options are available?
  • Does the subdivision have HOA fees? If yes, what do the fees cover?
  • What are the estimated taxes on the property?
  • Are there any building restrictions?
  • Any major developments or businesses planned in the area within the
    next five years?

After you speak with a few custom home builders, you will become better at asking these questions. Treat it like a job interview, and you are the boss. Excellent custom home builders are patient, expect to answer lots of questions and, often have a website or printed brochures to see their work. If your potential home builder has open houses, go to as many as possible. Good custom home builders usually are there to give tours and answer questions.

References:
C. Ford (Feb. 3, 2020). Cost of Constructing a Home. Retrieved from https://www.nahbclassic.org/generic.aspx?sectionID=734&genericContentID=271883&channelID=311

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