Homes Designed with Care, Built to Endure.
Second-generation craftsmanship. Thoughtful design-build execution. Serving Medina County and Northeast Ohio’s most discerning homeowners.
Google Rating
5.0
Since 1985
2-4 Homes Per Year
Second-Generation Builder
Trusted within the industry
Your dream home starts with the right team, the right process, and a design built entirely around you.
Design Smarter, Build Better, Live Beautifully.
From sketch to final walkthrough, our team manages design, budgeting, and construction — so you’re never chasing subcontractors or guessing.
A Different Way to Build
- Stay in control without managing the chaos
- Know exactly where your money goes — before construction starts
- Designed around your life — not pulled from a catalog
- We handle the complexity — you stay focused on your life
- Built to last decades — not just pass inspection
// Previous Work
Homes Designed Around Real Lives
From timeless estate residences to refined modern farmhouses, each Nell home tells a story. Every project is uniquely designed to match the homeowner’s lifestyle, property, and aesthetic preferences. Explore detailed project stories showcasing architectural vision, craftsmanship, and thoughtful execution.
Custom Home Building
Design-Build Services
Major Renovations & Additions
Land Acquisition Guidance
Pre-Construction Planning
// About us
More Than Homes — A Legacy
Charley Nell doesn’t just build houses — he builds legacy homes designed to stand the test of time. Raised in Medina, Ohio in a second-generation custom home building family, construction has always been second nature.
Long before founding Nell Homes, Charley was learning the craft from the ground up — understanding that true quality lives in the details you don’t always see.
~ Charley Nell
You deserve a better builder
Google Rating
5.0
Your custom home builder in Northeast Ohio.
Nell Homes has built custom homes in Medina County and Northeast Ohio since 1985, combining second-generation experience with hands-on project oversight.
// The Process
The Nell Homes Building Process
When you choose Nell Homes to build your custom home in Northeastern Ohio, you’re choosing craftsmanship, transparency, and a hands-on team that walks with you from the first conversation to move-in day.
Whether this is your first custom home or your forever home, we are committed to delivering a high-quality build designed specifically for Ohio’s climate, your land, and your family’s lifestyle.
01/ Choose Your Land
Already own land? Perfect — we specialize in building on your property.
Still looking? We’re happy to review parcels you’re considering and help you evaluate:
- Soil conditions and drainage
- Topography and grading needs
- Septic vs. sewer requirements
- Utility access
- Township and county regulations
03/ Develop Your Budget
We believe clarity prevents stress.
There are three main components to building your home in Northeast Ohio:
Land – The cost of your property (if not already owned)
Home – The base cost to construct your custom home
Site Work – Excavation, tree clearing, driveway installation, utilities, septic systems, grading, drainage, and foundation prep
05/ Transparent Pricing
We do not believe in surprise costs or vague allowances.
Once your plans and specifications are finalized, we provide a detailed proposal outlining the scope of work. As long as selections and specifications remain unchanged, your pricing remains consistent.
Clear communication is part of our process from day one.
07/ Preparing Your Land
Before breaking ground, several key steps may be required:
- Soil testing
- Surveying and plot plans
- Clearing and grading
- Driveway installation
- Septic system installation (if applicable)
- Utility trenching
- Drainage and stormwater management
Because of Ohio’s frost depth requirements, foundation planning is critical at this stage.
09/ Final Walk-Through & Move-In
Before closing, we conduct a detailed walk-through with you to:
- Review workmanship
- Address punch-list items
- Answer maintenance questions
- Ensure everything meets expectations
We want you confident and excited on move-in day.
02/ Explore Plans & Do Your Research
Browse our available floor plans or bring your own ideas. As a custom builder, we can:
- Modify existing plans
- Adjust layouts for walk-out basements
- Add square footage
- Design around wooded lots or lake views
- Incorporate energy-efficient upgrades for Ohio winters
04/ Design Your Home
This is where your vision comes to life.
With Nell Homes, you can personalize:
- Exterior finishes (stone, brick, board & batten, siding)
- Roofing styles designed for snow load
- Window packages for energy efficiency
- Flooring, cabinetry, lighting, and fixtures
- Ceiling heights and structural details
- Finished basements or walk-out designs
06/ Contract & Pre-Construction Planning
Once you’re ready to move forward:
- Final drawings are approved
- Engineering (if required) is completed
- Permits are submitted
- Construction timeline is established
- Site prep scheduling begins
We coordinate directly with county and township building departments throughout Northeast Ohio.
08/ Construction
Once site preparation is complete, we break ground.
You will receive consistent communication throughout the build process. Even when you don’t see daily activity on site, progress is always being coordinated behind the scenes.
A typical build sequence includes:
- Excavation & Foundation
- Framing
- Roofing & Exterior Protection
- Rough Plumbing, Electrical & HVAC
- Insulation & Drywall
- Interior Finishes & Trim
- Flooring & Cabinetry
- Final Mechanical & Fixture Installation
- Final Inspections
10/ Warranty & Ongoing Support
Our relationship doesn’t end when construction is complete.
Every Nell Home includes:
- 1-Year Workmanship Warranty
- 2-Year Systems Warranty (plumbing, electrical, HVAC)
- 10-Year Structural Warranty
We stand behind what we build.
Building in Northeast Ohio Requires Experience
Freeze-thaw cycles. Heavy snow loads. Clay soil. Basement moisture control.
These aren’t afterthoughts — they’re built into how we construct every Nell Home.
Trusted by homeowners ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Google Rating
5.0
Your neighbors are loving Nell Homes
Your dream home starts here.
Ready to Build Something Exceptional?
Our goal is to align expectations upfront, eliminate uncertainty, and ensure your investment reflects long-term value. We welcome conversations about realistic ranges during your consultation.
REAL RESULTS. REAL PEOPLE.
What homeowners are saying about us
1985
Year Founded
2 to 4
Homes Built Per Year
2nd
Generation Builder
Google Rating
5.0
Still Have Questions?
Have a question about your project? Schedule a consultation with our team.
//FAQs
General Questions Regarding Nell Homes
How long does a custom home take?
Most projects range from 8–14 months depending on size, design complexity, and site conditions.
Can you build on land we already own?
Yes. We frequently build on client-owned properties and can also assist with land evaluation.
How early do we discuss budget?
Budget planning begins during Discovery to ensure alignment before design advances.