Plano’s Josh LeComte Dreams of Building Dream Homes That Are High on Style, Low on Waste, And Last a Lifetime

Josh LeComte is a Texas boy through and through. Born and raised in Plano, LeComte attended the University of Texas in Austin hoping to become an engineer. It was a twist of fate (and a distaste for life behind cubicle walls) that led him to discover his passion for building homes, which he follows today with his personal brand of modern and efficient construction. An up-and-coming design/build firm, LeComte Homes is making its name all across high-end Dallas neighborhoods.

CandysDirt.com: How did you get into real estate?

Josh LeComte: I started on the construction side of the business. When I was an undergrad at UT, I converted a garage into my bedroom — put up a wall in front of the garage door, laid the carpet, etc. I did all of the work myself, without my landlord’s permission. When he found out, he was about to kick me out, then realized that I just created an additional $700 per month in future rental revenue. He then hired me to do more conversions. I was studying engineering and I just couldn’t make sense of going to work in a cubicle all day after graduation, so I stuck with building.

CD: You’re an up-and-coming builder in Dallas known for sleek and modern design. What inspires you?

LeComte: For modern design, Dallas’ new buildings in the Arts District, especially the Wyly Theater. I also love the eclectic mix of homes along Lakewood Boulevard.

CD: What do you think will be the hottest trends in building for 2013?

LeComte: Efficiency. Smaller open concept homes with spaces laid out in a manner that minimizes waste, High R value building envelopes and windows. Outdoor living space continues to be a hot commodity.

CD: Where is home for you in Dallas?

LeComte: Just east of lower Greenville Avenue.

CD: And you drive a … let me guess, Mercedes Benz?

LeComte: Not a Benzer — I drive VW Touareg SUV

CD: What’s your favorite ‘hood in Dallas and why?

LeComte: I like my neighborhood because there is plenty of green space and a ton of dining and shopping options within a short walk and if I need to drive, I can usually be anywhere in the loop within 15 minutes door to door. I like to get over to Uptown on occasion as well.

CD: What was your best or most successful build/project?

LeComte: 1811 Euclid Townhomes, a contemporary eight-unit condo project. It is located just off of Henderson Avenue, where a lot of exciting things are happening. We put the right product in the right spot.

CD: From concept to finish-out, how quickly have you ever completed a project?

LeComte: I built a home for a friend in about seven months from the time I sketched the initial concept to completion. I wish all of our projects moved that fast.

CD: What have you learned about building that makes you so successful?

LeComte: Value engineering is huge. Pay attention to the numbers and spending time getting it right the first time.

CD: If you ever change careers for an encore you’ll…

LeComte: I’m not sure I would want to do anything else as a career.

CD: Do you have a second home? If so, where?

LeComte: No second home right now, but hopefully someday a second home next to a ski mountain or a home on Lake Austin.