Staff Reports | Real Property & Homes
In the ever-evolving landscape of Arizona real estate, few names carry the weight of experience, integrity, and innovation quite like Boxwell Homes.
With over a century of combined homebuilding expertise, the Boxwell team has built more than just homes — they’ve built a reputation rooted in teamwork, trust, and honesty.
This exclusive three-part Q&A series dives into the heart of what makes Boxwell Homes a standout in the custom homebuilding space. From their commitment to transparent client collaboration to their use of cutting-edge technology in project management, Boxwell Homes continues to redefine excellence in design and construction.
Whether you’re considering a renovation, an addition, or a ground-up custom build, this series offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Boxwell Homes streamlines the process while exceeding expectations.
After more than two decades of building custom homes along the highly regulated Lake Michigan shoreline, seasoned homebuilder Jeremy VanEyk has brought his expertise westward.
Mr. VanEyk’s career spans over 20 years of hands-on experience in residential development, including the successful completion of more than 200 custom lakefront homes. His passion for the building process and dedication to guiding clients through each phase of construction has been a hallmark of his work.
Following the sale of his Midwest-based business, Mr. VanEyk says he saw an opportunity to continue his journey in Arizona’s dynamic housing market.
Mr. VanEyk sat down with Real Property & Homes at the Digital Free Press so readers can learn more about the philosophy at Boxwell Homes. This is what he had to say:
•Boxwell Homes emphasizes teamwork, trust, and honesty. Can you share a story that best illustrates these values in action?
Many of our clients hope to preserve part of an existing structure or foundation rather than tearing everything out and starting from scratch. From a builder’s perspective, it can be tempting to justify a full rebuild — it’s often simpler and more straightforward. But working with what’s already there demands greater collaboration, creativity, and, most importantly, honesty about what truly adds value.
One recent project highlighted this perfectly. A client came to us with plans for a brand-new home, but once we reviewed the budget, it became clear that the design wasn’t financially feasible. Instead of walking away, we rolled up our sleeves and took an honest look at how much of the existing structure could be saved. By valuing the materials already in place and carefully reimagining the design around them, we created a home that met their vision without sacrificing quality—or their budget. That process of problem-solving side by side, grounded in trust and transparency, is exactly what defines our approach.
•How do you foster a culture of transparency and collaboration among your team and with clients?
Transparency is built into our daily operations. Within our team, we encourage open communication — everyone is expected to speak up, share ideas, and raise concerns early so challenges can be addressed before they become problems. With clients, we maintain a consistent practice of providing regular project updates not only to them but also to all the trades involved. These updates include progress photos, budget reviews, and clear explanations of milestones. By keeping information flowing freely across every level of the project, we reduce surprises, reinforce trust, and ensure that everyone—from the homeowners to the subcontractors—is aligned and working toward the same goals.
•What steps do you take to ensure trust is built and maintained throughout a project?
Trust is earned through consistency. From the very beginning, we set clear expectations and then work diligently to meet — or exceed — them. That means honoring timelines, being upfront about costs, and being candid when unforeseen issues arise. Clients know they can rely on us because we prioritize honesty even when it’s not convenient. Every solution we propose is grounded in the client’s wants, needs, and long-term vision for their home. That commitment to transparency and follow-through is what allows trust to grow stronger throughout the project.
•How do you handle situations where a client’s expectations might not align with the realities of construction?
Bringing a client’s vision into the real world can be challenging, and sometimes expectations don’t perfectly align with what’s possible. When that happens, we treat it as an opportunity for education and partnership. Our team takes the time to explain the “why” behind the constraints—whether they’re budgetary, structural, or regulatory — and then we present alternative solutions. Instead of simply saying “no,” we shift the conversation toward “how” the vision can still be achieved within real-world parameters. This approach not only preserves trust but also strengthens the collaborative relationship we build with every client.
•What does “client involvement” mean to you, and how do you balance that with professional guidance?
For us, client involvement means active participation in the creative and decision-making process — every client shapes their own experience. Our role is to enhance that experience by guiding them through the complexities of building codes, engineering requirements, and the sometimes messy realities of construction. We believe honesty is key in those conversations, making sure clients always have a clear understanding of their options. By blending each client’s dreams with our professional expertise, we’re able to deliver a final product that feels personal, practical, and lasting — built on a foundation of trust.
