S1Ep103 Kyle Bobbitt on Building Custom Homes and Innovation

Building custom homes isn’t just Kyle Bobbitt’s business—it’s in his blood. A third-generation builder, Kyle learned the trade the hard way: carrying shingles, framing walls, and doing trim work under the guidance of his dad. But over time, he evolved the family tradition into something bigger. Today, he’s the owner and president of Kyle Bobbitt Custom Homes, leading a team that builds up to 50 homes a year across North Carolina.

In this episode of Builder Straight Talk, Kyle shares how he scaled his business by shifting from labor to leadership, building systems, and treating every project like a process—not a guessing game.

Kyle talks about the transition from doing everything himself to becoming a true construction management firm. Ninety percent of his work is now subcontracted, but the oversight, planning, and quality control are tighter than ever. For him, success in building custom homes comes down to one thing: process.

His crews follow a 287-point checklist on standard projects—and over 500 items on his high-end custom builds. Clients are brought into that system, too. They see the steps, they understand the timelines, and they know what’s coming next. That level of transparency helps avoid conflict and keep expectations grounded.

He also touches on something most builders avoid: client fit. With 50–70 leads coming in weekly, Kyle only engages with about 10%. Why? Because not every client is a good fit for the process. “We’re basically getting married,” he says. “If it’s not a good relationship, it’s going to go bad fast.”

Kyle explains how he balances building custom homes with developing more attainable housing options. He rejects the “cookie cutter” label and calls it what it is—attainable housing. His goal is to deliver homes he’d be proud to live in himself, whether it’s a $500,000 spec or a $2 million custom project.

And he doesn’t just talk about systems—he lives them. Every decision, from land acquisition to material selection, is filtered through a lens of process and repeatability. That’s how he keeps margins tight and clients happy—even as his team builds across the state.

But Kyle’s also looking ahead. Way ahead.

He’s one of the few builders openly exploring 3D-printed homes—not as a gimmick, but as a real solution to housing shortages and trade labor gaps. He shares what it was like sleeping in a 3D-printed home in Austin and why he believes the future of building custom homes will involve automation, concrete extrusion, and radical efficiency.

“You can 3D print a house with one operator and a tablet,” he says. “That’s how we solve the labor problem.”

Kyle also dives into funding. While he self-finances many builds, he works with one private investor and a few banks when needed. His old-school mindset—“if you can’t buy it, don’t buy it”—keeps his operation lean, his risk low, and his cash flow under control.

This episode is a must-listen for builders who are stuck in the grind and looking for a smarter way to scale. From lead filtering to client counseling, construction tech to managing chaos, Kyle lays out a blueprint for building custom homes with strategy—not just hustle.

Watch the full episode on YouTube or listen here or on your favorite podcast platform.

About Kyle Bobbitt
Kyle Bobbitt is the founder and owner of Kyle Bobbitt LLC, a custom home building company based in Wake Forest, North Carolina. With over 18 years of experience as a general contractor, Kyle specializes in designing and constructing unique luxury custom homes and commercial projects across North Carolina, Florida, and Tennessee. His company offers a range of services, including 3D printed homes, construction management, and design-build construction. Kyle's commitment to innovation and quality craftsmanship has earned his company a reputation for excellence in the construction industry.

To learn more about Kyle’s work or connect with his team, visit KyleBobbittCustomHomes.com.

About Michael Krisa
Michael Krisa is the host and producer of the Builder Straight Talk Podcast, where he shares expert interviews and real solutions to the U.S. housing shortage. With a background in SEO, video marketing, and real estate, Michael leverages his experience to deliver unfiltered insights into the building industry. His mission is to help builders navigate challenges and succeed by providing practical strategies and stories from those who have been in the trenches.​

Through Builder Straight Talk, Michael offers a platform for builders, contractors, and tradespeople to share their journeys, lessons learned, and strategies for growth. His straight-talking, casual but credible approach resonates with a no-nonsense, practical-minded audience seeking to scale their businesses and fund more projects.