The S. Clements Homes Knowledge Center
Scott Clements has a wealth of information to share. With almost five decades of experience in the construction industry, Scott's seen it all. This is where Scott shares tips and tricks, and also explains the process when building an S. Clements Custom Home™.
— Scott Clements, Founder

25+ Years Experience

2,000+ Homes Built

Daily Insights
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What to Expect in Your Initial Consultation with S. Clements Homes
Walking into a builder's office for the first time can be intimidating—you might be unsure about the questions to ask or the information to bring. At S. Clements Homes, we make the process straightforward and friendly. When you come in for an initial consultation, you'll meet with me personally. If you already have land, bring…Why Fixed-Price Contracts Work in Your Favor
In construction, how we structure contracts dictates the incentives that drive behavior. Cost-plus contracts, for instance, create incentives that often don't serve the customer's best interests. Here's the psychology behind it: with a cost-plus contract, the builder earns a percentage on every dollar spent, say 20%. So, if your build costs $200,000, the builder's fee…Fate: Growing, Accessible, and Ideal for Your Custom Home
Fate, Texas, is experiencing impressive growth, with an annual rate of 10-11%, drawing attention for its unique position in the Rockwall County growth corridor. Nestled near Lake Ray Hubbard, Fate offers both recreational opportunities and reasonable commutes to major employment centers in the DFW area. Fate has distinct advantages that appeal to those looking for…Caddo Mills: A Hidden Gem Growing at Lightning Speed
Caddo Mills may not grab nationwide attention like Princeton or Celina, but it's quietly clocking an impressive 17%+ annual growth—making it one of Texas' fastest-growing small towns. Now, why is Caddo Mills experiencing such a surge? For starters, we're ideally located: close enough for an easy commute to major job centers in the metroplex, yet…The Real Cost of Cutting Corners: Quality vs. Cheap Materials
When building a home, it's tempting to save upfront with builder-grade materials. But while these might shave a few dollars off construction costs, the expense can skyrocket over time through replacements and poor performance. Consider this: real wood cabinets, which are standard in our homes, can last over 30 years. In contrast, particle board cabinets…Why Personal Involvement Matters in Home Building
To this day, I personally write every contract, meet every customer, and stay involved throughout every build. From that first consultation to the moment I hand you the keys, I'm there every step of the way. This isn't just a policy—it's the foundation of how I run S. Clements Homes. When you build with me,…Understanding True Land Costs for Your Home Build
When buying land to build your dream home, remember the purchase price is just a starting point. Development expenses often add another 20-40% to your initial investment before you even begin construction. Knowing these costs upfront helps prevent budget surprises. So, what are these typical development costs? First, there's survey and staking, which ensure your…Why I Refuse Cost-Plus Contracts
In my 25+ years of building homes across Texas, I've seen builders use cost-plus contracts to shift all their risks onto customers. It might sound good for them—any cost increase or inefficiency gets passed directly to you. But that's not how I do business at S. Clements Homes. I insist on fixed-price contracts because it's…Tyler: An Underrated Market with Sustainable Growth
Folks often focus on the buzz around DFW suburbs, but Tyler, Texas, offers something different—it's a market defined by steady and sustainable growth. Unlike the boom-and-bust cycles you see elsewhere, Tyler's stability is built on a foundation of diverse employment opportunities. As the regional hub for East Texas, Tyler benefits from a mix of sectors—healthcare,…Bringing Your Vision to Life: The Framing and Exterior Phase
The framing phase is when the excitement truly starts to build—for you and for me. It's when your floor plan transforms into a three-dimensional structure that you can finally walk through. During this phase, our skilled framing crew sets up the walls, installs floor systems for second stories, and constructs the roof. They make sure…Why I Choose Hardwood Over Laminate for Your Home
In today’s world, laminate flooring can look surprisingly good in photos. But when you're building or buying a home, there’s a world of difference between looks and long-term value. Real hardwood costs more because it offers lasting quality, which is why I include hand-scraped hardwood standard in our homes. Hand-scraped hardwood brings authentic character and…Seamless Floor Excellence: Why We Install Hardwood Wall-to-Wall
Ever notice how most builders stop laying hardwood at cabinet toe kicks or use unsightly transition strips at doorways? I don't cut corners like that. At S. Clements Homes, we install hand-scraped hardwood floors wall-to-wall, even under cabinets. Why does this matter? It's all about a seamless, high-end appearance. Continuous hardwood under cabinets and through…Showing 0 of 19 articles
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