Business Details
29 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Custom Home Building Solutions
Founded in 1997, Owner Builder Network has empowered over 5,000 families to build custom homes while saving thousands through its unique program. Our team of experts provides comprehensive support, including financing solutions, access to vetted subcontractors at builder costs, and personalized guidance from concept to completion. With decades of combined construction experience in Texas, we offer a proven system that gives homeowners full control over design, budgeting, and construction timelines.Our proprietary process includes detailed project management tools, tax-advantaged financing options, and third-party quality inspections. As industry innovators, we maintain transparency by allowing clients to manage their own checkbooks while providing expert consultation at every stage. Our track record demonstrates consistent value delivery through cost savings, energy-efficient building practices, and client-driven project customization.
Services
Custom Home Building
Construction Financing
Contractor Network
Design Assistance
Project Management
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- We offer 28 years of specialized home-building expertise since 1997
- Our clients save thousands through direct subcontractor negotiations
- We provide tax-advantaged financing options for land and construction
- Our proprietary building system includes detailed project management tools
- Third-party quality inspections ensure construction excellence
What people say
Saved thousands
Great support
Completed quickly
Quality workmanship
Professional guidance
Services
Custom Home Building
Our custom home building program empowers homeowners to create personalized residences while maintaining financial control. Clients receive comprehensive support including budget development, subcontractor coordination, and construction scheduling. With access to industry professionals and builder-cost pricing, homeowners can construct energy-efficient homes tailored to their specific needs while benefiting from our 28-year track record of successful projects.
Construction Financing
We provide specialized financing solutions for land purchase and home construction through partner banks. Our program offers up to 100% financing options with weekly draw schedules that simplify cash flow management. Clients benefit from tax-advantaged loan structures and expert guidance through the entire financing process, ensuring financial transparency and project viability from start to finish.
Contractor Network
Our extensive network of vetted subcontractors provides builder-cost pricing for all construction phases. Clients gain access to pre-qualified professionals including electricians, plumbers, and framers who understand owner-builder projects. This network ensures quality workmanship while maintaining competitive pricing, with third-party inspections guaranteeing work meets industry standards throughout the construction process.
Design Assistance
Our design team helps translate client visions into buildable plans with cost-effective solutions. Services include plan development, material selection guidance, and functional layout optimization. Clients receive support in creating energy-efficient designs that meet budget requirements while maintaining aesthetic appeal and practical living spaces tailored to their specific lifestyle needs.
Project Management
We offer comprehensive project management tools including construction calendars, building steps guides, and scheduling assistance. Clients receive personalized consultation throughout the process with access to document templates and quality control protocols. Our system ensures organized project execution while maintaining client control over financial decisions and timeline management.
People
Patrick Powers
Co-Owner
Co-Owner with 25+ years in custom home construction, previously managing 50-70 homes annually. Built his own home through OBN, combining generational building knowledge with modern construction practices.
M.L. Laughlin
Co-Owner
Co-Owner bringing extensive construction and business management experience. Former tile business owner who transitioned to home building, combining industry knowledge with client-focused service delivery for over 20 years.
Bob Powers
Sales Consultant
Construction industry veteran with 25+ years of client support experience. Provides personalized consultation and budget documentation management, leveraging prior utility industry experience to understand client needs comprehensively.
Debbie Manning
Sales Director
12-year OBN team member with firsthand building experience, completing her home in record 3 months. Combines management expertise with practical knowledge as both former client and current sales leader.
David Winchester
Design Specialist
Experienced house designer with 15+ years supporting client vision realization. Specializes in creating functional, budget-conscious designs while maintaining aesthetic appeal and technical feasibility for custom home projects.
Questions
How does the Owner Builder Network program work?
We guide homeowners through every phase from financing to construction, providing access to vetted subcontractors, budgeting tools, and expert consultation while clients maintain financial control.
What financing options are available?
Our partner banks offer construction loans with up to 100% financing options, weekly draw schedules, and tax-advantaged structures for land purchase and home building projects.
How long does the building process take?
Average construction time ranges from 6-9 months depending on project complexity, with some clients completing homes in as little as 3 months using our streamlined system.
What quality control measures are in place?
We provide third-party inspections at key construction stages and maintain a vetted subcontractor network to ensure work meets industry standards throughout the building process.
Can I do part of the work myself?
Yes, our program allows homeowners to perform as much work as they desire, with expert guidance available for technical aspects while maintaining full project control.
What areas do you serve?
We operate throughout Texas with primary service areas in Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and surrounding regions, supporting both urban and rural custom home projects.
Videos
Reviews (5)
Jerry B.
Dec 31, 2020
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Shiela Marlar is totally corrupt to the core. She could do nothing she claimed. You will not save one penny using her company but she'll cost you thousands more.
Jim L.
May 12, 2020
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Wow, What a Rip Off! If you ever wanted to throw your money away in an effort to get your home built, then run on over to Owner Builder Network and you'll be so disappointed. They are a scam- low to no Customer service at a cost of $1000; the first dollars that I have ever thrown given/away. Their custom budget is an excel spreadsheet with numbers and input from you, the home buyer. I could have done that myself; would a bank really accept that?
They sell themselves as a top notch building company with 3 tiers of services which you could get better from your local handyman. Do stay away as this company should be deemed as unfit and unqualified by the BBB.
They sell themselves as a top notch building company with 3 tiers of services which you could get better from your local handyman. Do stay away as this company should be deemed as unfit and unqualified by the BBB.
Joe Montalti
Jun 19, 2018
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We built our home through Owner Builder Network. We just closed on our home 8/11/2017. It was a very rewarding experience for us. We would gladly do it again and would recommend that everyone do it. Sheila and Brad were Awesome people to deal with and very knowledgeable about the process and were very willing to help and share that knowledge every step of the way. They truly care about their customers and their customers custom homes.
Gloria De La Garza
Feb 24, 2017
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Sheila & her team were very helpful. Me & my husband have been searching for the perfect home builder to help us construct our home. Owner Builder Network was great! They even helped us finance the whole project. We were very involved in the process which was a good thing. They take no shortcuts and make sure that the place looks great! Thank you Sheila & everyone in her team!
Joy Savage
Nov 15, 2016
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Great people, very knowledgeable. They build our home from the ground up. What I loved about Owner Builder Network is that they were good listeners. They really listened to what i wanted my home to look like and that is just what a got! Highly recommend if you are looking for a custom home builder in Texas! :
