In the dynamic world of homebuilding, few match the expertise and dedication of Adam Ganzell, National Vice President of Construction and Quality at Thomas James Homes. With a background in production building that spans multifamily complexes to residential projects, Adam contributes valuable experience and insightful perspectives to TJH, elevating the quality of our homes. We sat down with Adam to discuss the latest trends, best practices, and what sets TJH apart in the homebuilding industry.

“TJH offers a unique product and business model that is unmatched by traditional production builders,” he explains. “The type of architecture, the specifications, the products we use for every TJH home, and the neighborhoods we build in are all unique. It truly sets us apart.”

Adam Ganzell

A smarter approach to homebuilding

Systems and processes

Adam’s career began in production building, where he worked on various projects. However, joining TJH has allowed him to elevate his craft. “Our goal is to build homes that combine quality and efficiency, and we do that through repeatable systems and processes,” he shares. “Having an established and approved plan library is a key part of this strategy, allowing us to scale while providing greater benefits to our customers.”

Adam goes on to explain that while TJH doesn’t want to be just another production builder, we understand the value of incorporating successful elements from those models into our approach. We want to take what works in production building and instill it in a way that fits our model. This involves hiring field managers with diversified experience and focusing on repeatable systems and processes so we can deliver the best of both worlds—quality homes and efficient processes.

“At TJH, we are very mindful of how we construct our homes, which reduces costs and cycle times and adds tremendous value to our customers.”

Adam Ganzell

Investing in expertise

Investing in our team is a priority for TJH. “We’ve got to invest in our people, make them experts, and ensure they’re highly qualified,” Adam emphasizes. This dedication to training means our team undergoes extensive field training and earns certifications from top manufacturers. By fostering specialized skills, we ensure every TJH home is built to the highest standards of construction and reliability. For potential homebuyers, this investment translates to peace of mind. “Our ability to maintain quality, even as we scale, is a testament to our commitment to training and systems.”

Setting and maintaining the highest standards

Designing our plan library

Our thorough approach to planning and development is key to the high-quality, value-driven homes that TJH is known for. Over the years, we’ve refined our plan library to resonate with what homebuyers want and the distinctive character of the neighborhoods we build in. “We dedicate a lot of time to market research and product development to offer the right designs for those areas,” says Adam.

Ensuring form and function

Once we finalize our plans, they undergo a detailed paper walk process. Our team of planners and designers meticulously reviews every aspect, from framing and floorplans to lighting and strategically placed outlets. We identify any potential limitations or challenges in the designs. Additionally, we thoroughly inspect all electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems to ensure everything is perfectly in place. This focus on detail ensures each home surpasses customer expectations, providing reliability and satisfaction.

“Every home plan in our library has been meticulously reviewed, vetted, and approved by each team lead during our Paper Walk. By carefully examining all details of a home’s construction drawings, we’re able to streamline the construction process and give our clients the confidence that their home meets the highest standards.”

Adam Ganzell

The Role of Technology

At TJH, we are committed to staying ahead of the curve with technology, particularly in AI, to improve our processes and deliver better results for our customers. Unlike many larger production builders, we have the flexibility to adopt new approaches without the delays often caused by corporate decision-making. While other builders may lag in implementing new technologies, our company embraces innovations that make sense and deliver the best homebuilding and homebuying experience.

“[TJH] is a very nimble company,” says Adam. “Our team’s ability to quickly implement large-scale changes not only enhances our homebuilding approach but also adds value for our homebuyers. In an industry where such quick progress is rare, TJH is truly ahead of the curve.”

Planning for on-time delivery

Effective schedule management is key to delivering quality homes on time. TJH has integrated advanced operating systems with reporting capabilities into our processes. These systems allow our team to track costs, cycle times, quality metrics, and customer feedback, ensuring operational efficiency and consistent growth. “It seamlessly integrates all these elements, enhancing our reporting and processing efficiency,” says Adam.

Every week, our team reviews detailed reports to monitor progress and identify potential delays. “We look at all the different critical path milestones in the schedule and see how the schedule is moving,” Adam explains. This proactive approach enables us to make informed decisions and provide better guidance throughout the construction process, resulting in on-time delivery and happy homeowners.

Future trends in homebuilding

Energy efficiency and sustainability

Looking ahead, Adam sees energy efficiency as a critical aspect of homebuilding. “Energy modeling is a huge component,” Adam says. “We’re very focused on efficiency and building homes that perform at a high level without wasting energy, all while maintaining comfort.”

One of the key trends we’ll see is the balance between solar opportunities and on-site energy storage. With an aging grid in California and across the US, this balance becomes even more critical. Fortunately, new technologies are emerging that make on-site energy storage more feasible and cost-effective. These future advancements will allow homeowners to optimize their energy use, reducing reliance on the grid and enhancing overall sustainability.

Adam emphasizes, “We’re focused on identifying key opportunities and optimizing energy modeling to enhance what matters most to our customers. This means better insulation, improved livability, and advanced systems that make for a more comfortable, cost-effective living space.”

Adam Ganzell’s expertise and forward-thinking approach drive TJH toward a future where quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction take center stage. By integrating quality principles, investing in people, and using advanced technology, TJH is establishing new benchmarks in the homebuilding industry. “Our unique product and business model are unmatched,” he explains. “The architecture, specifications, products used in every TJH home, and the neighborhoods we build in are all unique. This truly sets us apart.”