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About Rochester Custom Homes

Built on Trust. Focused on Quality.

As a custom home builder in Rochester, MN, we're here to make building your dream home feel simple, honest, and enjoyable. From the first conversation to the final walkthrough, we're committed to craftsmanship, communication, and relationships that last long after the project is complete.

Contact us today!
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A Better Way to Build

Building a custom home is one of the biggest investments you'll ever make. We believe it should also be one of the most exciting.

At Rochester Custom Homes, we combine years of experience with small-town values to create homes that are built to last. Whether you're planning a fully custom home, a major remodel, or an addition, our goal is simple: build it the right way while keeping you informed every step of the process.

We don't just build houses. We build places where families create memories for generations

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Meet Jack & Jake

Two Builders. One Shared Vision.

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Jack Hartert

Jack Hartert practically grew up on job sites. He learned the value of hard work and clear communication from his father, Mike Hartert a contractor for over 30 years. From going to the different job sites to meeting the clients.  At 18, he joined Jake‘s crew, and they have worked with each other ever since. He credits Jake for teaching him everything he knows about carpentry, and firmly believes Jake is capable of building anything he puts his mind to.

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Jake Hershberger

Jake Hershberger has been building homes for more than 25 years. He grew up on a small farm in an Amish community near Harmony, Minnesota, where his family owned a furniture shop. At 17, he left the Amish community and began working in construction, first shingling roofs before discovering his passion for framing homes, building decks, and fine carpentry.

By the age of 22, Jake had started his own construction business and has been self-employed ever since. Over the years, he built multiple framing crews and earned a reputation for tackling larger custom homes throughout Southeast Minnesota. Along the way, he met Jack's father, Mike, whose commitment to quality craftsmanship and lasting client relationships left a lasting impression.

When Jack joined Jake's crew at just 18 years old, the two quickly became more like family than coworkers. In 2026, they partnered to launch Rochester Custom Homes, combining decades of experience with a shared commitment to building high-quality homes and lasting relationships with every family they serve.


“We’re pretty much brothers at this point” - Jack Hartert

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Every custom home is different. The total investment depends on your home's size, finishes, lot, and design. We'd be happy to discuss your goals and provide a realistic estimate during your consultation.

  • Most custom homes take anywhere from 8 to 14 months, depending on the size of the project, weather, permitting, and material availability.

  • A custom home is designed specifically for you—from the floor plan to the finishes. A spec home is built before a buyer is involved, offering fewer opportunities for customization.


  • Not necessarily. If you already have a lot, we can build on it. If you're still looking, we're happy to help guide you through the process before construction begins.

  • Look for a builder with experience, strong communication, quality craftsmanship, and references you can trust. Building a home is a long-term partnership, so it's important to choose someone you'll enjoy working with.

  • Yes. We regularly build on client-owned lots throughout Rochester and Southeast Minnesota.

  • In addition to custom homes, we also complete additions, remodeling projects, decks, garages, finished basements, siding, windows, and more.


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Proudly Serving Southeast Minnesota

We're proud to build custom homes throughout Southeast Minnesota, including:

  • Rochester, MN

  • Byron, MN

  • Stewartville, MN

  • Kasson, MN

  • Pine Island, MN

  • Chatfield, MN

  • Zumbrota, MN

If you're looking for a trusted custom home builder in Southeast Minnesota, we'd love to hear about your project.

Get in touch today!

Let's Build Something Together

Whether you're ready to build your forever home or simply have questions about the process, we'd love to connect.

Let's talk about your vision and see how we can bring it to life.

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