“At the end of the day, we’re not just building houses—we’re building the places where people’s lives unfold,” said Nielson Construction director of residential construction Josh Nielson.
For over 20 years, the family-owned business has grown from a one-man concrete operation to a company with over 100 employees focusing on building pre-designed houses, development, and general contracting. Through their experience, they discovered a need to have a more one-on-one approach to match up customers to their ideal home.
“Finding and buying a home can feel overwhelming because there are a lot of moving parts and decisions involved,” said sales manager and designer Amy Evans. “Our Home Concierge service is designed to simplify that process.”
Instead of navigating everything on their own, buyers work with a dedicated member of Nielson’s team who helps guide them through each step—from exploring communities and floor plans to understanding timelines and selections. They also work closely with realtors who are representing clients, so everyone stays informed and the process moves smoothly.
Evans says their goal is simple: make the experience clear, organized, and supportive so people can focus on finding the right style for their life.
“From the construction side, the concierge model helps ensure the entire process stays organized from the beginning,” said Nielson. “When expectations, selections, and communication are aligned early, it allows our construction team to execute the build efficiently and maintain the quality standards we expect in every Nielson home.”
“Whether someone is purchasing their first home, looking for their forever home, or exploring something in between, our goal is to make the process simple and supportive.”
Amy Evans
Though they’re headquartered in Harrisburg, Nielson Construction builds in over 15 communities in Sioux Falls and the surrounding areas, including a 55+ community exclusively for active adults who want “vibrant lifestyles” and less maintenance.
There are two options when it comes to the Home Concierge process: Move-In Ready Homes and Pre-Designed Homes.
“Building thousands of homes over the years gives you a lot of perspective,” said Nielson. “You start to see what truly holds up over time, and what makes a home perform well for families.”
“Our floor plans have been refined over time based on how people actually live day to day,” added Evans. “Buyers still have opportunities to personalize finishes and make adjustments, but they’re starting from layouts that are already proven to function well.”
That balance gives homeowners flexibility without the stress of starting from scratch.
In this region, Nielson says they also understand the climate, soil conditions, and seasonal challenges that come with building in the Midwest. That experience allows them to make better decisions about materials, construction methods, and quality standards.
At Your Service
MOVE-IN READY HOMES
Timeline: Quick move-in.
Selection Options: All selections completed.
PRE-DESIGNED HOMES
Timeline: 3-4 months to move in.
Selection options: Curated selections available based on build stage.
It also means they’re constantly refining their process, he continues. Every home they build benefits from what they’ve learned from all that came before it.
For example, the floor plan sets the foundation for how the entire home comes together.
“Once that layout is established, everything else—structure, mechanical systems, windows, and even how natural light moves through the home—builds off of it,” said Nielson. “A well-designed plan allows all of those elements to work together in a way that feels comfortable and natural once the home is complete.”
Evans says the kitchen, living room, mudroom, and primary suite tend to be the spaces people use the most.
“When those areas flow well together, everyday routines—from leaving for work to cooking dinner or helping kids with homework—feel much easier,” she said.
Central spaces like the kitchen, living room, and nearby dining areas become what Nielson Construction calls “the heart of the home,” and are very important when considering design.
“That’s where conversations happen and people reconnect at the end of the day,” said Evans.
One of the biggest mistakes the Home Concierge team has seen is choosing spaces over tradition versus how people actually live.
“Formal dining rooms are a good example,” said Evans. “Many families think they need one, but in reality they often gather around the kitchen island or casual dining area instead.”
Another common oversight is traffic flow—how people move through a home every day has a huge impact on how comfortable and functional it feels.
From a construction perspective, Nielson says some people think the more space in the home, the better.
“We see the best homes are the ones that prioritize functionality over simply adding more square footage,” said Nielson. “Smart design almost always matters more than just having more space.”
“People often focus first on finishes like countertops or cabinets, but the floor plan is what really shapes daily life.”
Amy Evans
Trending-wise, homes today are being designed much more intentionally around daily routines. This includes dedicated office spaces becoming more common as remote and hybrid work continue.
“Families also want open areas that allow them to stay connected throughout the day, while still having quiet spaces when needed,” said Evans.
Outdoor living areas are also increasingly popular as people look for ways to extend their living space.
From a construction standpoint, Nielson says they’re also seeing continued emphasis on durability, energy efficiency, and longterm performance.
“Homeowners want homes that are not only beautiful, but are also comfortable and efficient to live in,” he said.
If a client isn’t quite sure what they want, the Home Concierge team welcomes any questions, concerns, or ideas. The whole point of being there, Evans says, is to ensure people understand their options and to guide them through each step with confidence.
“A home is where families gather for dinner, where kids take their first steps, and where memories are made for decades to come,” said Nielson. “Being trusted to build those spaces is both an honor and a responsibility we take seriously.”
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