If you’re thinking about moving to Tulsa, Oklahoma and building a custom home, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is not the floor plan, the lot, the countertops, or the finishes.

It’s the builder.

Because when you choose a custom builder, you are not just hiring someone to construct a house. You are choosing the person and team you will be working with for months—sometimes a year or longer—through hundreds of decisions, budget conversations, design selections, site planning, and problem-solving.

And if you’re building at the luxury level, the builder matters even more.

Today, we’re highlighting Ryan and Tabitha Farabough of Farabough Homes, one of Tulsa’s standout luxury custom building teams, and breaking down what makes their process different—from high-performance construction and building science to design guidance, communication, land evaluation, and the value Tulsa offers compared to larger metros.

Why the Right Custom Builder Matters So Much

Building a custom home can be one of the most exciting things you ever do.

It can also feel overwhelming if you don’t have the right team guiding you.

Every decision has weight:

• windows
• appliances
• layout
• site placement
• HVAC systems
• insulation
• flooring
• tile
• lighting
• cabinetry
• countertops
• smart home features
• outdoor living
• budget allowances

And those decisions are not small. In a custom luxury home, one category alone can represent tens of thousands of dollars.

That is why the builder-client relationship is so important. You want someone who communicates clearly, gives honest guidance, understands the technical side of construction, and helps you make decisions in the right order—without making the process feel chaotic.

Farabough Homes puts a strong focus not only on the final product, but on the experience of building.

That matters.

Meet Ryan and Tabitha Farabough

Ryan and Tabitha work as a true team.

Ryan brings the building science, construction expertise, certifications, and on-site leadership. Tabitha brings years of real estate experience, design support, selections guidance, and the kind of practical eye that helps a home feel cohesive.

Together, they help clients navigate both sides of the custom building process:

the structure behind the walls and the beauty you see every day.

That balance is important because a luxury home should not just look good when you walk in. It should also live well, perform well, feel comfortable, and hold up over time.

What Makes Farabough Homes Different?

Passive House Certification and High-Performance Building

One of the biggest distinctions Ryan brings to the Tulsa market is his education and certification around Passive House building standards.

Passive House is a building standard that originated in Europe, where energy codes and efficiency expectations are often more demanding than what many buyers are used to in the United States.

Ryan is the only Passive House International certified builder in Oklahoma, according to the interview, and he has spent years studying building science, energy efficiency, ventilation, and how to create a better-performing home using thoughtful systems—not just flashy upgrades.

That matters because energy efficiency is not one single feature.

It is not just adding better windows.
It is not just adding spray foam insulation.
It is not just choosing Energy Star appliances.

A true high-performance home requires everything to work together.

High-Performance Homes Are About Comfort, Not Just Utility Bills

A lot of buyers hear “energy efficient” and immediately think about saving money on utilities.

That’s definitely part of it.

But the bigger benefit is comfort.

A high-performance home is designed to help with:

• more consistent temperatures from room to room
• better indoor air quality
• less energy loss
• improved humidity control
• quieter interiors
• fewer hot and cold spots
• better long-term livability

This is the part most buyers don’t think about until they’ve lived in a home that doesn’t perform well.

Maybe one bedroom is always too hot.
Maybe the living room is freezing while the primary suite feels stuffy.
Maybe the house feels humid even when the thermostat says it’s cool.
Maybe outdoor allergens and dust seem to come inside constantly.

Those are not just comfort issues. They are often building science issues.

Behind the Walls: Why Farabough Homes Focuses on the Structure First

One of the most important points from the interview is this:

You can upgrade finishes later.

You can change paint, countertops, tile, cabinets, lighting, and hardware down the road.

But the actual structure of the home—the framing, insulation strategy, air sealing, slab preparation, HVAC design, ventilation, and building envelope—is much harder to change later.

That is why Farabough Homes puts so much focus on what happens before the pretty finishes ever go in.

2x6 Exterior Walls

Farabough Homes uses 2x6 exterior walls as a standard feature.

Why does that matter?

A deeper wall cavity can allow for better insulation and stronger wall assemblies. But Ryan’s approach goes beyond simply saying, “We use 2x6 walls.”

He also focuses on how the walls are framed, how thermal bridging is reduced, and how insulation performs around windows and doors.

That is where experience matters.

Reducing Thermal Bridging

Thermal bridging happens when energy moves through materials that connect the inside of the home to the outside.

In traditional framing, certain areas—especially around headers above windows and doors—can become weak points where heat and cold transfer more easily.

That can create hot and cold spots, make rooms less comfortable, and reduce overall efficiency.

Farabough Homes uses a more engineered approach to framing those areas and insulating them, so the home performs better as a whole system.

Sealed Vapor Barrier Under the Slab

The process starts before the concrete is even poured.

Farabough Homes uses a sealed vapor barrier system under the slab to help control ground-source moisture and protect the home from potential soil gases like radon or methane.

That is not the kind of feature most people notice in a listing description.

But it is exactly the kind of detail that can impact the long-term quality and comfort of the home.

Proper HVAC Design

Another major point: HVAC should not be sized using outdated rules of thumb.

Ryan explains that some contractors still use old formulas, like assigning one ton of cooling per 500 square feet. But in a tightly built, foam-insulated, properly ventilated home, those old assumptions may not apply.

Farabough Homes looks at:

• Manual J calculations
• Manual D calculations
• Manual S calculations
• proper airflow
• ventilation needs
• room-by-room comfort

The goal is not simply to install a bigger system.

The goal is to install the right system.

Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality

There is a common phrase in older building conversations: “A house needs to breathe.”

Ryan makes an important distinction:

A house should not randomly “breathe” through cracks, gaps, and leaks.

It should be properly ventilated.

That means fresh air is intentionally brought into the home, filtered, conditioned, and exchanged through the right systems.

In a well-built high-performance home, controlled ventilation can help with:

• cleaner indoor air
• better humidity control
• more consistent comfort
• fewer allergens entering through leaks
• improved overall livability

This is especially important when using foam insulation and tighter construction methods. The tighter the home, the more important proper mechanical ventilation becomes.

Building Custom: Start With the Land

One of the biggest mistakes custom home buyers can make is buying land before they understand whether it is truly buildable.

A piece of land may look perfect online.

It may have trees, privacy, acreage, or views.

But that does not mean it is ready for a luxury custom home.

Before buying land, you need to understand things like:

• topography
• slope
• dirt work needs
• access to utilities
• water availability
• drainage
• driveway access
• site orientation
• sun exposure
• where the home can actually sit

Ryan shared an example of buyers purchasing acreage, only to discover the desired build site had a major drop-off that could require a significant amount of additional site work before a build could even begin.

That is why it is so important to involve the right real estate agent and builder early.

Before you buy the lot, you want to know what it will actually cost to build there.

Why Site Orientation Matters

A strong custom builder does not just ask what you want the house to look like.

They also study the lot.

Which way does the home face?
Where does the sun hit hardest?
Are there views worth capturing?
Is there a pond, tree line, or natural feature to design around?
Will certain overhangs or soffits help improve efficiency?
Does the home need to be positioned differently to improve comfort?

Those details can affect both lifestyle and performance.

And this is one of the reasons custom building can be so powerful: the home can be designed for the land, not forced onto it.

The Farabough Homes Custom Build Process

Every custom build is different, but the process generally starts with a few key steps.

Step 1: Consultation and Fit

The first conversation is about understanding what the buyer wants, where they want to build, and whether the project is the right fit.

Farabough Homes is intentional about the projects they take on. They are not trying to be a production builder doing dozens of homes at once.

Ryan personally visits job sites frequently and wants to make sure each project receives the proper attention.

That means sometimes the answer may be: “This is not the right fit right now.”

And honestly, that is a good thing.

A builder who is willing to say no is usually a builder who understands capacity, quality, and client experience.

Step 2: Land or Lot Evaluation

If the client already owns land, the team evaluates the site.

If the client does not have land yet, Tabitha can help with the real estate side and identify options that may work for the buyer’s goals and budget.

This is where having real estate and building expertise connected is incredibly valuable.

Step 3: Custom Design

Farabough Homes works with an in-house architectural team to design homes based on:

• the buyer’s lifestyle
• the land
• budget
• family size
• how the home will actually be used
• desired features
• efficiency goals
• long-term needs

This is not about copying a floor plan.

It is about creating a one-off home that fits the person building it.

Step 4: Selections and Design Guidance

This is where Tabitha shines.

Selections can be overwhelming for buyers because every finish needs to work together:

• paint
• tile
• countertops
• cabinet stain
• flooring
• lighting
• plumbing fixtures
• hardware
• backsplash
• exterior materials

Some buyers know exactly what they want. Others want guidance. Many fall somewhere in between.

Tabitha helps clients narrow down choices, understand what flows together, and avoid selections that may look good individually but not work as a full design package.

She can also help clients access vendor spaces and showrooms that may only be available through builders.

That kind of guidance can save time, reduce stress, and keep the design cohesive.

Step 5: Budget Communication

Custom building involves budget decisions from start to finish.

The Farabough team emphasizes realistic allowances and clear communication. Instead of underbidding allowances just to make the initial number look more attractive, the goal is to set realistic expectations upfront.

That matters because no one wants to get to the end of a build and discover hundreds of thousands of dollars in surprise overages.

When selections come back, the team reviews them with the client and talks through what matters most.

Sometimes the answer is:

“We can spend more here because this matters to you.”
Or: “Let’s save here so we can prioritize something else.”

That kind of communication is what keeps the process healthy.

What Size Homes Does Farabough Homes Build?

While Farabough Homes has built very large luxury properties, Ryan notes that the trend has shifted.

Years ago, more buyers wanted extremely large homes with multiple living rooms, theater rooms, game rooms, and big specialty spaces.

Today, many luxury buyers want something different:

less wasted space, more intentional space.

The current sweet spot is often around 5,000 to 6,000 square feet, with some custom homes larger depending on the client’s needs.

The emphasis is not just “bigger.”

It is better.

Better layout.
Better performance.
Better function.
Better design.
Better day-to-day living.

Parade Homes, Spec Homes, and Semi-Custom Opportunities

Farabough Homes also builds Parade of Homes entries and spec homes, which often sell quickly because buyers recognize the quality and design.

For some buyers, a spec home can be a great option because it offers a faster path than a full custom build.

And if a buyer gets involved early enough, there may still be opportunities to personalize finishes before the home is complete.

According to the interview, upcoming projects include homes in areas such as:

• Pine Ridge
• Forest Ridge / Artesia
• Midtown Tulsa
• Wind River area

These homes can give buyers a chance to experience Farabough quality without starting completely from scratch.

Tulsa Custom Home Value: Why Relocation Buyers Are Surprised

One thing that comes up often with relocation buyers is value.

Buyers coming from places like Dallas, California, Colorado, New York, or other higher-cost markets are often surprised by what they can get in Tulsa.

Ryan mentions that a home selling for around $800,000 in Tulsa may be over $1 million in a nearby larger market like Kansas City or Dallas.

That does not mean Tulsa is “cheap.”

It means the value proposition is strong.

You can often get:

• more square footage
• better finishes
• larger lots
• stone and stucco exteriors
• luxury outdoor living
• custom details
• strong neighborhood amenities
• a lower overall cost of living

And that is one reason Tulsa continues to attract buyers looking for a lifestyle upgrade.

Tulsa Is More Than Just Housing Value

The home value is only one part of the story.

Tulsa also offers:

• The Gathering Place
• downtown revitalization
• local restaurants
• live music
• museums like Philbrook and Gilcrease
• arts and culture
• family-friendly suburbs
• golf course communities
• luxury neighborhoods
• easier drive times compared to larger metros

And because the Tulsa metro is more manageable, you can live in Jenks, Broken Arrow, Bixby, Owasso, Midtown, or South Tulsa and still reach most parts of the city without spending your life in traffic.

That convenience is a major quality-of-life win.

Smart Home Features Are More Accessible Than Ever

Luxury custom homes today can also incorporate smart home features at a much more attainable cost than years ago.

Ryan explains that full automation used to be extremely expensive, but now buyers can integrate meaningful smart features without spending what they once had to.

Popular options include:

• smart thermostats
• smart lighting
• app-controlled systems
• voice control
• exterior lighting routines
• security integration
• music and audio zones
• automated schedules

For example, exterior lights can be tied to security settings, routines can control lighting throughout the home, and voice commands can make daily life easier.

It is not just about being flashy.

It is about convenience, safety, and lifestyle.

The Biggest Advice for Custom Home Buyers

The biggest takeaway from this conversation is simple:

Do your due diligence.

Do not choose a custom builder based only on price.

Price matters, of course. Everyone has a budget.

But when you are building a luxury custom home, the lowest bid is not always the best choice. In fact, it can be the most expensive mistake if allowances are unrealistic, communication is poor, or the builder is not experienced enough for the level of home you want.

Instead, look at:

• past work
• reputation
• certifications
• communication style
• building science knowledge
• process
• design support
• transparency
• whether the relationship feels like a good fit

You are not just buying a product.

You are choosing a team to guide you through one of the biggest investments of your life.

FAQ: Building a Luxury Custom Home in Tulsa

Who are some of the best luxury custom builders in Tulsa?

Tulsa has several strong luxury builders, and Farabough Homes stands out for its high-performance building approach, custom design process, and Passive House certification background.

What is a high-performance home?

A high-performance home is designed as a system. It focuses on energy efficiency, comfort, ventilation, indoor air quality, insulation, HVAC design, and long-term durability—not just finishes.

Should I buy land before talking to a builder?

Ideally, no. You should involve a knowledgeable agent and builder before purchasing land so you understand buildability, site costs, utilities, slope, access, and potential budget surprises.

Is custom building in Tulsa less expensive than other major markets?

Many relocation buyers find that Tulsa offers more home for the money compared to larger or higher-cost metros. You may be able to get more space, stronger finishes, and a more custom experience here.

How long does it take to build a custom luxury home?

Timelines vary based on size, complexity, land, design, and builder availability. Many luxury builds can take close to a year or more, and very large custom homes can take longer.

What should I look for when choosing a builder?

Look beyond price. Review the builder’s work, ask about process and communication, understand their allowances, evaluate their experience, and make sure the relationship feels like a strong fit.

Thinking About Building or Buying New Construction in Tulsa?

If you’re moving to Tulsa and considering custom new construction, luxury neighborhoods, or high-performance homes, the first step is getting clear on where your lifestyle fits best.

Do you want land?
Do you want a gated neighborhood?
Do schools matter, as cited by Niche.com?
Do you want Midtown walkability, South Tulsa convenience, or a luxury suburb like Jenks, Bixby, Broken Arrow, or Owasso?

That’s exactly what we help relocation buyers figure out every day.

Option 1: Download the Tulsa Relocation Guide

This is the easiest way to start learning the Tulsa metro, suburbs, lifestyle differences, school district considerations, commute patterns, and where you may fit best.

✅ Download the Tulsa Relocation Guide here:
https://sabrinashawtulsarealtor.com/relocation-guide

Option 2: Schedule a Tulsa Relocation Blueprint Call

If you’re serious about moving and want a personalized plan, schedule a complimentary Tulsa Relocation Blueprint Call. We’ll talk through your timeline, lifestyle, budget, commute needs, and whether new construction or custom building makes sense for you.

✅ Schedule your Relocation Blueprint Call here:
https://bit.ly/RelocationBlueprint

Whether you’re moving in 9 days, 90 days, or 9 months, we’d love to help you build a clear plan for your move to Tulsa.

Sabrina Shaw
📞 918-637-7826
✉️ sabrinashaw@allwaysrealtygroup.net
Allways Realty Group — brokered by eXp Realty