by Christy Heitger-Ewing | photos courtesy of AR Homes
After ten years as a leading custom home builder in the Indianapolis area, in 2015 the owners of Christopher Scott Homes were approached by Arthur Rutenberg (AR) Homes to become an independently owned and operated franchise of AR Homes, Inc. Owners Christopher Carnell and Scott Bates were intrigued by the offer. With AR Homes, Christopher Scott is able to offer a new, easier way to build a custom home. One that gets customers exactly what they want with a fixed price that keeps them on budget.
BUILDING A FIRST-CLASS CLIENT EXPERIENCE
Dan Hayes, who joined the team three years ago as the Building Company President for the franchise, began collaborating with David Decker, owner of 
ACo, along with Joe Evans, ACo Vice President of Operations. Now ACo is the exclusive flooring and tile provider for the AR Homes side of Hayes’ company.
“Relationships are everything in custom home building. Chris, Scott, and Dan are most certainly our clients, but they’re also our friends,” says Evans.
“Our desire to provide a first-class experience for the client is something that bonds ACo with AR Homes.”
For example, during the pandemic, product discontinuation has been an issue, but ACo has stepped up to the plate.
“I can’t wait six months to get tile on a house I have to have finished in three months,” says Hayes. “It’s great to be able to have my customers meet with Joe at the ACo showroom. He understands what all our pricing levels and structures are so he can lead them to a replacement that’s similar and at the same price point.”
Evans points out the importance of being nimble in their approach to client needs since the global supply chains are ever-changing.
“Communication is key to providing solutions for AR Homes and their clients,” says Evans. “By staying in touch with industry trends and client needs, we can manage the build in a way that meets timing goals while keeping design and budget considerations at the forefront.”
CREATING GORGEOUS CUSTOM HOMES
AR Homes just opened a new model home in Chatham Hills called the Prestwick that boasts a master bath sanctuary with a raised bathing area and beautiful tile backdrop. The stone and tile fireplace on the back patio, overlooking the 13th hole of Chatham Hills Golf Course, provides a majestic view for relaxing with a cup of coffee early in the morning or a glass of wine in the evening. The open first-floor plan provides an excellent entertainment space with its large island seating area, main level bar space, and family room with beautiful Chene Lambrusco hardwoods from Urban Floors throughout. ACo used the same flooring to add an inlaid chevron accent above the fireplace.
They are also working with ACo on building AR Homes newest model, the Newport, for the 2020 Home-A-Rama in Holliday Farms.
“It’s quite modern – very angular. It definitely looks different than anything else that’s out there,” says Hayes. “As soon as you walk in, you’re struck by the massive beam work and the large steel and glass floating staircase that sits at a large 26 ft. tall window area.”
The entire home is breathtaking, and that’s due, in part, to the high-quality flooring and tile by ACo. It’s simplistic in design as the house is modernist with clean lines. The hickory floors provide a warm and welcoming feel throughout the entire first floor and upstairs hall and loft areas. The master sanctuary offers an atmosphere of calm and relaxation with its open space, freestanding tub, and large walk-in shower covered throughout by Daltile’s River Marble
polished River Rapids tile.
“Newport is special because there really aren’t many suburban options for this type of design consideration at this price point,” says Evans. “This particular model brings innovation from the AR Homes design team to one of the most desirable new communities in the Indianapolis area. It’s a real pleasure to participate in such a unique build!”
When you embark on a journey to build a custom home, you want to work with a builder you can trust who has built solid relationships with all of their vendors, like AR Homes and ACo. To learn more about building with AR Homes or to schedule a tour at the model home in Chatham Hills, call (317) 430-2642, or connect with ACo at liveACo.com to schedule a design consultation.
