--Jim Sargent, Registered Professional Builder in northern Ellis County since 1975
Bentwood Custom Homes, Inc. builds houses in northern Ellis County, Texas, in towns such as Waxahachie, Ovilla, Red Oak, Midlothian, and Palmer. Northern Ellis County is a 20-minute commute to downtown Dallas.
Closet
space. Vaulted ceilings. Master Baths. There was a time when
these were big selling points for home buyers. But now, people
see beyond the hardwood floors and crown moldings. They want
something more.
They want a house built to offer more convenience and comfort. A higher level of energy efficiency. And lower monthly energy bills.
At Bentwood Custom Homes, we understand your concern. For years, Bentwood has worked hard to develop energy-efficient standards for our home construction. We call it "The Bentwood Difference".
Our home specifications include a thermal envelope with the latest insulation materials and techniques, the most efficient heat pumps and water heaters, and a lot more features that add value to every home we build. It's not what plan we build. It's how we build that plan.
Call (972) 617-8767 today for more information about Bentwood Custom Homes. It's time to get past the crown moldings and get everything you really want in a home.
Bentwood Custom Homes
Jim Sargent has a package of surprises for buyers who
want a high-quality custom home in a country setting.
First, there's Sargent himself -- a Registered Professional Builder who lives where he builds -- historic Ellis County just south of Dallas -- and has served the community in many civic roles. He's in the phone book (972-617-3788).
So buyers find an unexpected neighbor -- their personal builder.
"This is where my wife, Betty, and I have raised our sons," says Sargent, a graduate of Texas A&M University and former U.S. Army officer who began building custom homes in the Waxahachie area 20 years ago. "I'm here for my customers if they need me."
Secondly, the quality of life in the area is high, driven by values that are family-and community-oriented. Schools are strong. Taxes are low. So is crime. The good life is mirrored in lower insurance premiums. Plus, the urban environment of Dallas can be either a short commute or worlds away. "Here, families can enjoy a more relaxed and secure lifestyle," Sargent said.
Most of all, buyers discover what Sargent calls "the Bentwood Difference." Bentwood Custom Homes, Inc., Sargent's construction company, offers locations that are ideal for families of all ages who are seeking an alternative to Dallas County," Sargent said.
The difference that he speaks of involves the builder-architect team with whom each buyer consults.
"Each house we build is drawn to order by a licensed architect, with direct input form the buyer and me," Sargent said. "We believe that functionality and comfort in a home is as important as appearance. Our team of professionals always strive to put the customer first in a cooperative effort to achieve, together, an exceptional home. We at Bentwood are students. Everyone in the company 'goes to school' each year to stay on top of developments in home-building techniques and materials.
When construction begins, precision concepts and design guide the precision work and devotion to craftsmanship that's at the heart of Bentwood houses. For example, when framing begins, Bentwood carpenters frame by hand without the use of nail guns.
"Most people buy a home only by what they see on the surface, but what is important is how the home is constructed. Once the home is finished, all you see seems to pretty much look the same. It's easy to confuse surface appearance with quality," said Sargent. And that's where "the Bentwood Difference" becomes "the Bentwood Advantage."
Quality brings high returns across the board -- from savings in utility bills to appraisal value, Sargent noted.
"The true cost of owning a home comes in two parts," he said.
"The most obvious, and often the only one that buyers consider, is the sales price. The other cost that usually is not considered is the cost to keep the house heated, cooled and maintained."
"Bentwood homes tend to have an operating cost at 50% to 60% of that of conventional construction of compatible size homes in our area. Bentwood has histories of homes in the 2,000 square-foot range that average less than $65 a month for heating and cooling.
"These are the incredible results of two factors -- quality design and construction with attention to every detail and the Bentwood Energy System that incorporates all of the latest technological advances in material and construction techniques."
Consequently, owners of Bentwood homes find the best surprise of all -- no surprises. And as they have come to know the Sargents, they find that it's no surprise that the family is among the most respected in Ellis County.
In business, the Sargents continued to build during the '80s when many other builders were forced out of business because of difficulties related to the national savings and loan crisis. Earning the Registered Professional Builder designation was a milestone, Sargent said, that includes requirements such as demonstrated financial strength, provision of acceptable warranty and the maintaining of 15 hours of continuing education annually.
He was an elected school board member for nine years and has presided as president of the Waxahachie Rotary Club and the YMCA Board of Management.
The Sargents' sons are products of the Waxahachie Independent School District and have gone on to graduate from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Trinity University. Their oldest son, Randy, teaches at MIT and is an international computer consultant. Their youngest son, Brian, has taught in the Czech Republic and now teaches in Japan.
They came to Waxahachie from Dallas 20 yeas ago to make a difference, and they have realized their vision. From their home at 3 Sargent Place near Waxahachie, they operate a home-building company that's second to none.
"We are here, and we will be for a long time," Sargent said, "because Ellis County is a good place to live, and we're confident in customer satisfaction. We enjoy being here. That's why I get excited when I can say to a family that wants to build their home, "Before you make the most expensive investment of your life, I would like an opportunity to show you the Bentwood Difference."
To see "the Bentwood Difference," you may reach Bentwood Custom Homes, Inc. at (972) 938-9997.
By phone: (972) 938-9997
By e-mail: jim@bentwood.com