About-Us

Quality ~ Service ~ Satisfaction

Our executive leadership team has more than 68 years of combined experience in every aspect of home buying; design and home building, interior design, real estate sales, marketing and management, and home financing. Because of the breadth of this experience, Homes by JAMES offers you access to a much broader range of special services than most other custom home builders can. We will assist you with marketing and selling your present home and suggest staging improvements to help it sell for top dollar. And we'll help you arrange convenient financing for your new home with the best possible rates and terms.

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About Homes by JAMES

Homes by JAMES was founded by James L. Clairmont and Donna G. Clairmont in 1992. In addition to their experience as quality home builders, Jim and Donna are both licensed real estate brokers who understand how neighborhood, design, quality construction methods, amenities and landscaping impact the long-term livability and value of a home investment. Donna earned her GRI designation (Graduate of the Real Estate Institute) from the National Association of Realtors. At Homes by JAMES, Jim is the principal designer and contractor, and Donna is known for her award-winning interior designs. Together, they are building "dream homes" that get attention from the home building industry and from home buyers who are looking for unique style, craftsmanship and value.

More than 60 Years of Experience

Better by Design

Some custom builders simply build a nice house. At Homes by JAMES, we construct a complete and comfortable home environment from the ground up, both inside and out. Homes by JAMES offers professional architectural and design services. We are known for craftsmanship and unique woodworking treatments, and are proud that our homes have earned special recognition from the Builder's Association of the Twin Cities Parade of Homes for their outstanding interior design. Dramatic professional landscaping, included in every home we build, is designed and installed by our landscaping partner, ColorScapes, Inc. www.colorscapteslandscaping.com.

Award-Winning Design and Craftsmanship

Homes by JAMES has been honored over the years with many coveted industry awards, including the Builders Association of the Twin Cities.

Trillium Award winner for interior design

Trillium Award winner for hard surfaces (wood and tile)

Trillium Award winner for cabinetry and woodwork

Homes Built for Living & Energy-Efficient Comfort

All of the homes built by Homes by JAMES carry an Insured Home Builders Warranty, and include hard-wired carbon monoxide detectors and a radon mitigation system. Radon is a cancer-causing natural radioactive gas that you can't see, smell or taste. Its presence in your home can pose a danger to your family's health. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in America and claims more than 20,000 lives annually. This is why we include a radon mitigation system in every home we build! For more information on radon, visit www.epa.gov/radon

Every Homes by JAMES home is built to strict energy efficient standards. Our homes meet strict guidelines for energy efficiency and deliver better performance, greater comfort and lower utility bills. According to the EPA, energy efficient homes can help homeowners save as much as 20% annually on total energy costs, while reducing your home's energy consumption and environmental impact. We firmly believe that the extra care and cost we devote to building an energy efficient home for you pays off many times over by improving the livability, comfort, convenience and long-term value of your home and our environment.

We'll Guide You Through the Home Building Process

At Homes by JAMES, we believe a superior end product begins with meticulous planning and working with our clients, face-to-face. Every client receives a comprehensive Homes by JAMES Home Building Guide to help you keep track of all the details associated with building your new home. Throughout the design and construction process, you will have the attention of a personal service team. Your construction superintendent will work with you to make sure all details of the planning and construction process meet your expectations and our high standards of excellence. Our designer will assist you with amenity selections to assure that the choices you make fit your vision, your lifestyle and the design integrity of your new home. This high level of personal service will be yours from start to finish, including your post-move-in service plan. Details make all the difference!