New Construction & Custom Homes
Exclusive McDonald Construction Partnership
As the exclusive real estate partner of McDonald Construction Partners, Hammer Group offers what no other agent team can: direct access to Minnesota’s premier luxury builder, priority homesites, and expert guidance through every phase of the custom home journey.
Featured Communities
Three Oaks Estates
Nestled on quiet Crestwood Terrace in the southwest corner of Eden Prairie, Three Oaks Estates offers large lots with stunning wooded views and private access to Riley Creek. Many lots feature magnificent legacy oak trees carefully preserved during development. Minutes from extensive trail systems, parks, and premier amenities.
Ensconced Woods
A community designed to connect residents with nature, nestled among mature trees on the southwest edge of the Twin Cities metro. Refined new construction combining architectural detail, functional design, and premium finishes in quiet cul-de-sacs along protected bluff lines.
Carlson Bluffs
The second addition to Ensconced Woods, designed with the highest sensitivity to site ecology. Fourteen protected wooded lots with valley views, carefully preserved to minimize disruption to hydrology and local wildlife. Flexible basement options and beautiful backyard views.
Hampton Hills
A stunning community centered around scenic Lake Pomerleau in Plymouth, offering lake views and a winding greenbelt. Woodlands, natural wetland, neighborhood park, and trail system provide ample space for outdoor recreation in one of the west metro’s most sought-after settings.
Explore Floor Plans
McDonald Construction offers signature and custom floor plans designed for the way you live. Browse their full collection of home designs.
View Floor PlansYour Custom Home Journey
Discovery & Consultation
We start with your vision. Together we discuss your lifestyle, design preferences, budget, and ideal communities.
Homesite Selection
Explore available lots across our four premier communities. We evaluate each homesite for orientation, views, privacy, and floor plan compatibility.
Design & Customization
Work with the McDonald Construction design team while Hammer Group advocates for your interests at every selection meeting, ensuring your vision is protected and your investment optimized.
Financing & Contract
Greg’s MBA and financial advisory background means you have an expert advocate analyzing lending options, reviewing every contract clause, and building a financial strategy that protects your investment.
Construction Monitoring
Throughout the 8-14 month build, Hammer Group conducts regular site visits, coordinates on your behalf, and keeps you informed at every milestone. Your advocates on the jobsite, every step of the way.
Final Walkthrough & Closing
We walk every room of your punch list, negotiate any outstanding items, and guide you through closing. From first consultation to keys in hand, Hammer Group is with you the whole way.
What to Expect: Month by Month
A typical McDonald Construction luxury home takes 9–10 months from design to keys. Here’s what happens at each stage—and where your decisions keep the process on track.
Initial design meeting and floor plan presentation
⚠️ Custom option requests submitted
Allow 1–3 weeks depending on scope. Structural changes may require additional drafting and engineering—plan ahead to avoid delays.
Floor plan revisions and customer sign-off
⚠️ Appliance selections due
Must decide early—appliances have long lead times and affect cabinetry layout.
Interior designer introduction and selections meetings
Customer sign-off on final plan
Construction contract processing
Bid set presentation and customer approval
⚠️ Final electrical and low voltage plan
Outlet placement, switch locations, and media wiring must be confirmed before ordering begins.
⚠️ All major selections ordered
Windows, plumbing fixtures, countertops, light fixtures, tile, flooring, cabinets, hardware, millwork, stone, exterior doors, garage doors, and glass. Delays on any selection can push the entire build timeline.
Lot closing / construction loan closing — lot closing required for all buyers; construction loan closing if financing
Building permit submission and approval
Kickoff meeting
Excavation, footings, and foundation walls
Waterproofing and backfill
Framing
Roof trusses and roofing
Windows and exterior doors installed
Sheathing and framing inspections
HVAC, plumbing, and electrical rough-in
Low voltage and fireplace installation
⚠️ Homeowner electrical walkthrough
Your chance to confirm outlet placement, switch locations, and fixture positions before walls close up.
All mechanical and energy inspections
Insulation
Sheetrock
Exterior siding, stone, and trim
Tile installation
Cabinet installation
⚠️ Homeowner paint meeting
Finalize all paint colors, accent walls, and specialty finishes before painting begins.
Interior and exterior paint — approximately 3 weeks
Full enamel finish with site-finished cabinets. This premium process takes longer than standard paint but delivers a flawless, furniture-quality result.
Wood flooring, LVP, and carpet installation
Countertop and backsplash installation
Trim carpentry and millwork
Appliance delivery and installation
Light fixtures, plumbing fixtures, glass and mirrors
Mechanical finals — electrical, HVAC, plumbing, low voltage
Driveway, landscaping, and sidewalk
McDonald Quality Inspections & Touch-Ups
Lender final inspection
Homeowner orientation
Final walkthrough with client
🔑 Closing Day — Celebration & Key Delivery
Important
Timely customer selections keep your build on schedule. Delays on any decision—especially appliances, finishes, and structural options—can push the entire timeline. Hammer Group helps you stay ahead of every deadline so your home is delivered on time.
Your New Construction Advocates
Building a luxury home is one of the biggest decisions your family will make. Hammer Group walks beside you through the entire process—not just at contract signing.
Expert Guidance From Day One
From your first conversation about communities and homesites through design selections, construction milestones, and closing day—we are your dedicated advocates at every phase.
Financial Strategy & Protection
Greg’s MBA background means your build is analyzed as an investment—evaluating total cost, appreciation, and financing options.
On-Site Construction Advocacy
Regular site visits throughout your build ensure quality standards are met. We coordinate with the construction team, track progress, and flag anything that needs attention before it becomes a problem.
Design Decisions That Add Value
With dozens of custom builds managed, we know which upgrades deliver real resale value. We help you invest wisely at every selection meeting so your home appreciates from the start.
About McDonald Construction Partners
For over 40 years, McDonald Construction has been one of Minnesota’s most respected names in luxury home building. Advanced Certified with Minnesota’s Green Path program and a 2025 Reggie Award winner.
Start Building Your Dream
Schedule a complimentary new construction consultation with Greg and Tracy Hammer.
Schedule a ConsultationOr call us directly: 612-819-4400